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Ukraine’s nuclear plant director apprehended by Russia

01.10.2022 12:00
Russia has detained the director general of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Ukrainian authorities have said.
Russian servicemen on guard at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in Enerhodar, southeastern Ukraine, May 2022. Europes biggest nuclear plant Zaporizhzhia situated near the frontline, needs an inspection and repairs, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said on 01 August 2022.
Russian servicemen on guard at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in Enerhodar, southeastern Ukraine, May 2022. Europe's biggest nuclear plant Zaporizhzhia situated near the frontline, needs an inspection and repairs, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said on 01 August 2022. Photo: Sergei Ilnitsky PAP/EPA

Ihor Murashov was seized by a Russian patrol on Friday afternoon local time on his way from the plant to the Moscow-controlled city of Energodar, Energoatom chief Petro Kotin said in a statement on social media on Saturday.

Murashov's vehicle was flagged down and he was taken out and, with his eyes blindfolded, driven in an unknown direction, Kotin added.

“His apprehension poses a threat to the operation of Europe's largest nuclear power plant," Kotin also warned, adding that he also called on the International Atomic Energy Agency to intervene.

Moscow-held Ukraine’s  Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant has been at the centre of tensions in recent weeks after Moscow and Kyiv accused each other of strikes on and near the plant, raising fears of an atomic disaster.

The plant is located in Russian-held territory of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, which Russia on Friday annexed together with three other territories in Ukraine: Donetsk, Lugansk and Kherson.

(mo)

Sources: IAR, AFP